Jocelynne Rainey, PHR

As the chief administrative officer at Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp., Jocelynne Rainey, a certified professional in human resources, is the point person on developing human capital, with the Human Resources and Workforce Development departments reporting directly to her. ?Human resources allows me to get a good, deep understanding of how every function runs. I get a broader sense of what an organization does because I am able to touch so many areas, because I get to know so many different employees,? she says. By working with the employees, she becomes a key person in setting the business culture. ?The most important thing I do is being at the table where decision-making is held,? she notes.

Rainey also is responsible for administrative operations, and for engaging with minority- and women-owned business suppliers. ?Diversity is a way an organization gets an understanding of what the world is like out there, beyond one group. As a corporation we are completely committed to employing MWBEs when we can because we understand that the only way they can capture the business that established businesses have is to get opportunities,? she says. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., with a bachelor?s degree in sociology from Southern Connecticut State University, a master?s in administration from Audrey Cohen College and a Certificate in Business Excellence from Columbia Business School, Rainey considers ?giving back? a responsibility all must honor. Her ?giving back? has earned her several community honors. ?If I had time and money I would work with young men of color to give them the tools they need for success,? she admits.

Rainey is steeled by the lessons and support of her parents, husband and two sons. ?I remember when my first son was born, how liberated I felt. I knew my purpose. I knew what a legacy truly meant,? she says.